monkey on one's back
monkey on (one's) back
1. slang A drug addiction. Did you hear? Pete checked himself into rehab to deal with the monkey on his back. I've been clean and sober for nearly five years, but I can still feel the monkey on my back breathing down my neck.
2. A persistent burden or problem. This project is such a monkey on my back right now—I can't wait for it to be over. Trust me, don't get in debt. You don't want that monkey on your back.
See also: back, monkey, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
monkey on one's back
1. Drug addiction, as in He'd had a monkey on his back for at least two years. [Slang; first half of 1900s]
2. A vexing problem or burden, as in This project has proved to be a monkey on my back-there seems to be no end to it. Both usages allude to being unable to shake off the animal from one's back.
See also: back, monkey, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
monkey on one's back
1. An addiction to a drug.
2. An object of persistent worry or obsession.
See also: back, monkey, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- a monkey on your back
- a/the monkey on somebody's back
- monkey
- monkey around
- monkey on (one's) back
- have a monkey on (one's) back
- have a monkey on one’s back
- have a monkey on your back
- have got a monkey on (one's) back
- on the natch